Clearing the Building Site
Remove all vegetation, stumps, and debris from the building footprint plus a working perimeter. Hidden stumps and roots under a foundation cause settling and cracks over time.
Building the House Pad
A proper house pad is built up with select fill, compacted in layers to proper density. Height depends on flood zone requirements and local drainage patterns. Most pads in our area need to be 18-36 inches above natural grade.
Drainage Considerations
Water management is critical in Southeast Texas. The finished grade should slope away from the house on all sides. Swales or ditches may be needed to direct water away from the structure.
Driveway Access
Plan your driveway location and construction as part of site prep. A well-built driveway base before construction allows heavy trucks (concrete, lumber, etc.) to access the site without getting stuck.